Question

Each of the following describes some futuristic scenario that, while perhaps entertaining, may or may not be plausible. In each case, decide whether the scenario is plausible according to our present understanding of science or whether it is unlikely to be possible. Explain clearly; because not all of these have definitive answers, your explanation is more important than your chosen answer. In the year 2011 , we finally uncover definitive evidence of alien visits to Earth when a flying saucer crashes in the Rocky Mountains and its oxygen- kerosene fuel ignites a forest fire.

Short answer

The scenario is implausible given our current scientific understanding.

Step-by-step solution

Consider current evidence of alien life

As of our present understanding of science, there is no definitive evidence that extraterrestrial life has visited Earth. Despite many reported unidentified flying objects (UFO) sightings, none have been confirmed as being of extraterrestrial origin by the global scientific community. Therefore, the first aspect we need to consider in this scenario is whether such events have been shown to occur: the answer is no.

Analyze the technology described

The scenario describes a flying saucer that uses oxygen-kerosene fuel. Current scientific knowledge suggests that extraterrestrial technologies, if they exist, would likely be far more advanced than human technology. Using such a common Earth-based propellant combination as oxygen-kerosene for interstellar travel seems unlikely, as on Earth, this is typically a choice for short to medium range applications, not suitable for interstellar distances.

Evaluate the plausibility of the scenario

Combining the current lack of evidence for extraterrestrial visits with the use of a typical terrestrial fuel for advanced extraterrestrial travel, the scenario appears to be implausible according to our present understanding of science.

Key concepts

UFO sightings

UFO sightings have been reported across the globe for decades. These sightings often describe unknown flying objects, which some people believe could be connected to extraterrestrial visitors. However, scientific investigations into these phenomena have not confirmed any to be of alien origin.
Instead, many cases are later identified as natural atmospheric phenomena, experimental aircraft, or even misidentified human-made objects.

• Notable incidents include the Roswell incident in 1947 and the more recent Navy encounters reported in 2004 and 2015.
• Despite interesting anecdotes and images, robust scientific evidence remains absent.

Some governmental agencies have started declassifying their UFO reports, which has prompted more public interest and scrutiny. Yet, in the absence of solid proof, UFO sightings remain fascinating mysteries from the perspective of scientific inquiry.

interstellar travel

Interstellar travel refers to journeying between stars, which is a topic often explored in science fiction. However, realistically, interstellar travel presents enormous challenges given our current scientific and technological capabilities.

• Space is vast and distances between stars are mind-boggling. The closest star system, Alpha Centauri, is about 4.37 light-years away, which is more than 25 trillion miles from Earth.
• The fastest spacecraft built by humans, Voyager 1, would take over 70,000 years to reach Alpha Centauri.

To make such voyages possible, technology would need to advance significantly, perhaps relying on understanding of unknown physics or extremely efficient propulsion systems. Options include theoretical advancements such as warp drives or solar sails, which could harness light for propulsion, but these remain speculative.

scientific evidence

Scientific evidence is critical when examining extraordinary claims, such as the presence of extraterrestrial life. Reliable evidence must be consistently observable, verifiable by independent researchers, and subject to rigorous scientific scrutiny.
Despite numerous claims and reports surrounding extraterrestrial visits, no scientifically verified evidence exists as of now.

• Peer-reviewed research needs to be conducted to establish any newfound claims related to alien life.
• Technological developments like radio telescopes and space probes search for potential signs of life, but have not yielded conclusive results.

Science relies on observable data rather than speculation, so until there is concrete evidence presented and scrutinized by the scientific community, extraterrestrial visits remain within the realm of possibility, not confirmed fact.